Preserving Benton County's Heritage Since 1949
Explore records, photographs, and stories from the people and places that shaped our community.
Search Our DatabaseWelcome to the Benton County Historical Society & Museum
Preserving the stories, artifacts, and heritage of Benton County, Minnesota since 1949.
Upcoming Event
Stories Among the Stones: A Lantern Tour of the Benton County Cemetery — Part II
October 15, 2026 • 5:30 PM • Benton County Cemetery
Join us for Part II of our popular lantern tour of the Benton County Cemetery — uncovering stories of those who came before us, including victims of the 1886 Cyclone and early settlers. Post-tour social hour with refreshments and a viewing of our authentic 1880s funeral coach.
Sauk Rapids, Benton Co., Minn.
📅 Today in History
United States
• 1958 Inauguration of NASA
• 1961 Roger Maris sets record of 61 HRs
Minnesota
• Coniferous forest shapes much of northern Minnesota.
• The Great Seal of the State of Minnesota was adopted in its current form on May 11, 2024.
Benton County
• The first census of Benton County in 1850 counted 418 residents.
• Sauk Rapids was separately organized as a village in 1881.
📷 Picture of the Day
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